Predicting recreational fishing use of offshore petroleum platforms in the Central Gulf of Mexico

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:7010224

Gordon, Jr, W R

This study is based on the premise that properly sited artificial reefs for optimal human recreational use, a predictive model based upon the marine travel patterns and behavior of marine recreational fishermen, is needed. This research used data gathered from a previous study that addressed the recreational fishing use of offshore oil and gas structures (Ditton and Auyong 1984); on-site data were also collected. The primary research objective was to generate a predictive model that can be applied to artificial-reef development efforts elsewhere. This study investigated the recreational-user patterns of selected petroleum platforms structures in the Central Gulf of Mexico. The petroleum structures offshore from the Louisiana coastline provide a unique research tool. Although intended to facilitate the exploration and recovery of hydrocarbons, petroleum platforms also serve as defacto artificial reefs, providing habitat for numerous species of fish and other marine life. Petroleum platforms were found to be the principal fishing destinations within the study area. On-site findings reveal that marine recreational fishermen were as mobile on water, as they are on land. On-site findings were used to assist in the development of a predictive model.

• Research Organization: Texas A and M Univ., College Station (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7010224
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
GULF OF MEXICO
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
RECREATIONAL AREAS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
FORECASTING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
TRAVEL
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
INDUSTRY
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
290200* - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology
294002 - Energy Planning & Policy- Petroleum